Description

This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious twist on a healthy vegetable side dish. Roasted until golden and tender, the cauliflower florets are coated with a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and hoisin sauce. Garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Seasoning

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Cooking oil spray
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

¼ cup honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon gluten-free flour or cornstarch

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare Cauliflower: In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with cooking oil spray, garlic salt, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Spread the florets evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Roast until the cauliflower is golden and tender.
Make Sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce or coconut aminos, sriracha, hoisin sauce, and gluten-free flour or cornstarch in a small saucepan.
Cook Sauce: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook the sauce for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky. Remove it from heat once done.
Toss Cauliflower with Sauce: Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, flavorful dish.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content or opt for coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
The gluten-free flour or cornstarch helps thicken the sauce; make sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
Adjust sriracha amount to control the spice level according to preference.
Serve over rice or alongside protein dishes to make a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-inspired